Barbican & Community Libraries have teamed up with librarians across London to launch an app that takes inspiration from the ‘Couch to 5k’ fitness plan to encourage people to read more.

Developed by London Libraries - the London network of national library charity Libraries Connected - Read On uses curated recommendations, reading challenges, interactive quizzes, and personalised reading plans to gradually make reading a regular part of users’ lives.

Aimed at Londoners who are keen to spend more time reading, Read On is a digital gateway to a universe of books, designed to inspire and support readers in increasing how many books that they read, but also to widen the range of genres, authors, and styles that they enjoy.

Read On’s integrated map feature enables users to find their nearest London library, attend events, and connect with fellow book lovers. The team behind Read On hopes that the app will turn the traditional ‘beach read’ into a year-round habit, with the accompanying benefits, such as stress reduction and increased self-esteem.

Residents can download the iOS and Android app directly or visit Artizan Street Library, Barbican Library, or Shoe Lane Library to find out more.

The app was made possible by funding from the LibraryOn grant programme. Supported by Arts Council England and facilitated by the British Library, the LibraryOn 2023 grant fund enabled library services to boost their digital presence and enhance their discoverability for new and existing users. Read On was developed by Novellic, a London-based team experienced in crafting reader-facing mobile apps for publishers and book charities. Their self-titled flagship book club app is also behind the book recommendations in the Read On app.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, Munsur Ali, said:

“We know that many people are very keen to read more, but they feel that they don’t have the time, or they become distracted, so we hope that Read On will help them gradually increase the number and range of books that they read with realistic and achievable goals.

“Whether they are an avid reader who needs a little motivation to get through their ‘to be read’ pile or someone who hasn’t picked up a book in years, we support Read On’s aim to help revive the joy of reading in the digital age.”

Tiina Hill, LibraryOn, Head of Delivery, said:

“The LibraryOn 2023 grant programme supported digital projects in libraries that help users to discover what their local library offers more easily.

“Read On does this brilliantly through through-provoking challenges and quizzes, it also boosts the digital capability of London libraries and creates an innovative way for new and existing users to engage with their library online.

“We are also delighted that the LibraryOn map has been integrated into the app and will help users find recommended books in their nearest library.”

Candide Kirk, founder of Novellic, said:

“We were thrilled to get involved with this project. We could immediately spot how the unique features that the librarians had identified would complement existing reader tools, and how our experience building bookish apps meant we could deliver a quality reader experience to achieve that vision.

“We are particularly proud to be powering the book recommendations on Read On directly from our flagship Novellic app, where years of expertise and reader input have built up a matching system that helps even the most reluctant reader discover their preferred genres and book titles.”

The City of London Corporation is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK, investing over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London.

Destination City is the City of London Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a world-leading business and leisure location. Destination City is delivering a seven-day-a-week Square Mile that is a global magnet for businesses and residents, visitors, and workers alike.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For media enquiries and interviews, please contact

Read On by London Libraries is available for iOS and Android

Research by OnePoll in 2023 found that 51% of British readers would like to read more: https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/reading-books-travel-holiday-tui-29401152

References on benefits of reading gathered here: https://readingagency.org.uk/our-work/our-research/reading-facts/

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Barbican & Community Libraries, is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Libraries Connected

We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with a range of cultural, academic and corporate partners. Part of our core funding in England comes from Arts Council England to help libraries embed their Investment Principles.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk

About London Libraries

London Libraries is the London region of Libraries Connected and has membership of all 32 boroughs and the City of London. It works collaboratively to promote London’s public library network, delivering regional campaigns, projects and events. London has the largest public library network of any major world city - over 8m Londoners have access to a network of 329 public libraries. Wherever you are in London you are never far from a public library.

About LibraryOn

LibraryOn is a publicly funded, not-for-profit programme that promotes the work of public libraries. It aims to increase visits to public libraries by making their offers and services easier to discover and use. Funded by Arts Council England, and with libraries and library ethics at its heart, LibraryOn currently does this in two core ways; through the LibraryOn website, that shares content from library staff, customers and volunteers and communicates the range of services, community activities and content libraries offer; and the LibraryOn grants programme. 

About Novellic

Novellic is a London-based app and web development company with a strong focus on creating solutions that connect books and readers. Their flagship product, the Novellic app, is a renowned platform for book clubs, offering curated book recommendations and fostering community among readers. With a proven track record of creating applications that bridge the gap between traditional reading habits and modern digital convenience, Novellic deploys its technical expertise, innovative product design, and reliable project delivery to serve a diverse clientele including book publishers and reading charities. For more information about Novellic please visit https://novellic.com/